. >>> accomplice cal experts say this could be the critical week in efforts to prevent the so-called fiscal cliff. danielle lee is on capitol hill, where lawmakers appear to be edging closer to an agreement. >> it's crunch time here in washington. analysts say president obama and speaker boehner have until the end of the week to reach a deal if lawmakers will get it passed by the friday before christmas. as a diesel engine plant, president obama stood his ground on the fiscal cliff. >> all congress needs to do is pass a law that would prehaven't a tax hike on the first $250 of everybody's income. >> the latest campaign stop had an announcement. business leaders warn this time of investment will suffer without a deal to avoid billions in tax increases and spending cuts next year. >> we have more than -- i think 103 ceos in town last week. the message was sit down, work it out. back in washington there's new momentum. yesterday p many p.m. and house speaker john boehner met one on one for the first time this year. then today staffers continued the private negotiations. the sooner the b